Have you been charged with a crime in Columbus, OH? You can contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers by calling (513) 333-0014 today for a free consultation. We have more than 100 years of combined legal experience, and our Columbus criminal defense lawyers have defended clients against all types of criminal charges, including lewd conduct and other related offenses.
The criminal justice system can be intimidating for defendants, and trying to deal with it without the right legal team could cost you your freedom and future. If you need help with criminal charges in Cincinnati, Ohio, let us take charge. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati lewd conduct attorney.
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Why Hire Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers If You’re Arrested For Lewd Conduct?
A lewd conduct charge in Columbus, OH, can carry serious penalties and follow you for years if not effectively handled. Choosing the right team is critical.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our legal team has a former police officer and prosecutor on staff, which means we have inside knowledge on how the prosecution tries to build their case.
- Our lawyers have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, a distinction that speaks to our results and commitment.
- Our firm provides a 24-hour emergency contact number, so you never have to wait if you urgently need help.
With more than a century of combined experience and a proven track record in criminal defense, Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers should be your first call if you’re facing charges in Cincinnati, Ohio. Reach out to t today to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati lewd conduct attorney.
Overview of Lewd Conduct in Ohio
In Ohio, a person can be charged with public indecency when they engage in lewd conduct. This crime involves behaving in a sexual way in a public place where others can see the act.
Examples of public indecency include:
- Exposing genitals in public,
- Taking part in sexual activity or masturbation in areas where others might witness it, or
- Other sexual behavior that society considers inappropriate or offensive in public view.
To be convicted of this offense, the prosecutor must prove that you either acted recklessly or intentionally. If you took proper care and someone else still saw the behavior and was offended, you shouldn’t be convicted.
What Are the Penalties for Lewd Conduct in Cincinnati, Ohio?
If you’re charged with public indecency in Ohio, the penalties you’re facing depend on the specifics of the crime.
You could be facing the following:
Reckless Public Indecency
When the behavior is viewed as reckless, such as being careless about whether someone else might see the act, the charge is typically treated as a fourth-degree misdemeanor. This carries up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250.
If the defendant has a prior conviction for similar behavior, or if the indecency took place in front of a minor, it can be elevated to a fifth-degree felony. The penalties include 6 months to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $2,500.
Knowing or Intentional Public Indecency
If prosecutors can prove that you intentionally engaged in public indecency, you can be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor. If you’re convicted, you could end up in jail for up to 60 days and pay a fine of up to $500. When additional aggravating factors are present, such as deliberate exposure to humiliate or for arousal, the crime can be charged as a fifth-degree felony.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to register as a sex offender as well, making this charge incredibly serious.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Lewd Conduct?
Being charged with public indecency is overwhelming, but there are ways to defend yourself. Some of the most common legal defenses your criminal defense attorney might raise include:
Accidental Conduct
Accidents do not usually rise to the level of criminal conduct under Ohio law. For a conviction, prosecutors typically must show reckless or knowing behavior. If exposure was unintentional – like you were changing clothes somewhere private and someone accidentally saw – it may not meet the legal definition of public indecency.
Insufficient Evidence
As with any criminal matter, the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If eyewitness accounts are inconsistent, video surveillance is unclear, or details of intent cannot be shown, the case may be too weak to obtain a conviction.
Alibi
In some cases, public indecency charges occur in crowded environments or late at night. In these cases, it’s possible for someone to be wrongly identified. To defend yourself, you and your lawyer can provide evidence showing that you had an alibi proving that you were elsewhere when the incident occurred.
The defense used will depend on the specifics of your case, and your criminal defense attorney will investigate and determine what makes the most sense.
If you’ve been charged with lewd conduct or related offenses in Ohio, our team is here to help you. We will do everything in our power to make sure you walk away with as few consequences as possible. We understand how significantly this charge and a conviction can affect your life, and we know how to defend you.
If you have questions or you’re ready to get started on your defense, contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati lewd conduct attorney.
